Venous thrombosis is a condition in which a blood clot (thrombus) forms in a vein. This clot can limit blood flow through the vein, causing swelling and pain. Thrombosis can occur in deep veins and superficial (surface) veins, and can occasionally break off and travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolus). Deep vein thrombosis is the most common type of venous thrombosis.
Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) — Leg vein clots in the superficial veins (veins near the surface of the skin) can cause pain, tenderness, firmness, and/or redness. They are most commonly seen in the inner part of the lower legs. In most people with SVT, there is a low risk of developing a DVT; treatment usually includes warm compresses, elevation of leg, and ibuprofen.
Deep …show more content…
If the patient's history, symptoms, and physical exam suggest a DVT, tests are needed to confirm this. Ultrasounds (imaging tests that use sound waves to detect blood flow in veins and arteries) are frequently ordered to confirm a diagnosis. Ultrasounds are painless and do not have any major side effects. Sometimes blood tests, contrast venography, MRIs and CT scans are also used to help in the detection of blood clots.
After determining that DVT or PE is present, the healthcare provider will want to know what caused it. In many cases, there are obvious risk factors such as recent surgery or immobility. In other cases, the clinician may test for another medical condition associated with an increased risk for venous thrombosis.
Treatment:
While immediate medical attention is necessary to treat an embolism, anticoagulants (blood thinners) are the medications most commonly used to treat both DVT and PE. Sometimes compression stockings are recommended to prevent DVT and relieve certain symptoms such as pain or swelling. Other goals of treatment include preventing the clot from growing, preventing new clots from forming, and preventing long term complications overall. Surgical removal of the clot is another available treatment, usually used in more severe
Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) — Leg vein clots in the superficial veins (veins near the surface of the skin) can cause pain, tenderness, firmness, and/or redness. They are most commonly seen in the inner part of the lower legs. In most people with SVT, there is a low risk of developing a DVT; treatment usually includes warm compresses, elevation of leg, and ibuprofen.
Deep …show more content…
If the patient's history, symptoms, and physical exam suggest a DVT, tests are needed to confirm this. Ultrasounds (imaging tests that use sound waves to detect blood flow in veins and arteries) are frequently ordered to confirm a diagnosis. Ultrasounds are painless and do not have any major side effects. Sometimes blood tests, contrast venography, MRIs and CT scans are also used to help in the detection of blood clots.
After determining that DVT or PE is present, the healthcare provider will want to know what caused it. In many cases, there are obvious risk factors such as recent surgery or immobility. In other cases, the clinician may test for another medical condition associated with an increased risk for venous thrombosis.
Treatment:
While immediate medical attention is necessary to treat an embolism, anticoagulants (blood thinners) are the medications most commonly used to treat both DVT and PE. Sometimes compression stockings are recommended to prevent DVT and relieve certain symptoms such as pain or swelling. Other goals of treatment include preventing the clot from growing, preventing new clots from forming, and preventing long term complications overall. Surgical removal of the clot is another available treatment, usually used in more severe